Announcements:
District 3 must pick a new Math Curriculum as part of the NYC Solves Initiative and is hosting information sessions on November 19, November 24th, December 10th, and December 17th about the three curriculum choices.
District 3 Math Team Launch
Ten District 3 Middle Schools are planning to launch math teams that will take part in the MATHCOUNTS competition that will be held at the MLK campus in February. In November, Carnegie Mellon Professor and former US International Math Olympiad team coach Po Shen Loh, Eve Drucker Egelhof of NY MATHCOUNTS, and a representative from Hudson River Trading, came to talk with D3 Math Team leaders about the importance of developing problem solving and critical thinking skills in an age of AI, why those skills are valuable to businesses and sought after in job interviews, how to set up a math team, and how to build a positive team culture.
Working Group Updates:
Harlem Working Group
Renaissance Collective: New Kindergarten Programs Opening in 2026-2027
There are 5 elementary schools in D3 Harlem's new shared zone. These five schools make up the Renaissance Collective.
PS 185 and PS 180 are developing strong International Baccalaureate programs.
Three other Harlem schools are adding unique, specialized K programs in the fall of 2026.
Note: It is highly recommended that families interested in any of the new programs attend information sessions later this month to better understand the additional responsibilities and expectations of participating in these programs. Session dates will be announced shortly.
PS 149: The Sojourner Truth School - Instrumental Music
PS 149 is launching a unique program for incoming kindergartners: the Renaissance Collective: Instrumental Music, an immersive curriculum in partnership with the nationally recognized Kaufman Music Center / Special Music School (M.859). In this program, music is treated as a core subject, equal to all of the other academic subjects. Music is treated as a powerful catalyst for creativity, focus, problem-solving, and personal growth.
Students who enroll in this special program will receive two private lessons per week on the piano, violin, or flute. In addition, students will study music theory and chorus. This intensive music education has been proven to foster discipline, time management, delayed gratification and the development of a personal voice. The private instruction affords children valuable one-on-one time with a musical mentor.
PS 241: STEM Institute of Manhattan - STEM
PS 241 is launching the Renaissance Collective: STEM, a comprehensive elementary school program that offers a dynamic, hands-on learning experience that integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across the curriculum, beginning in kindergarten. Designed to spark curiosity and foster critical thinking, this comprehensive program utilizes Project Lead the Way curriculum to engage young learners in activities that promote problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation. From exploring basic coding and robotics to experimenting with engineering design challenges and real-world math applications, students will develop a strong foundation in STEM disciplines while building essential 21st-century skills. Students in the Renaissance Collective: STEM program will be expected to attend additional learning experiences over school breaks (4 days during summer break, 3 days during December break, 3 days during February break and 3 days during April break).
PS 242: Young Diplomats Magnet Academy - Voice
PS 242 is launching the Renaissance Collective: VOICE, a comprehensive elementary school program that offers students multiple opportunities to utilize their voices for artistic expression and personal agency. The new VOICE program is designed to empower students by providing multiple, meaningful opportunities to use their voices through singing, performance, and spoken expression. From choral ensembles and musical theatre productions to public speaking exercises and oratory presentations, students develop confidence and communication skills in a supportive, creative environment. The program also includes opportunities for debate teams, where students learn to articulate ideas clearly and think critically, and spoken word and poetry recitals, allowing for powerful personal expression. Through VOICE, students learn to express themselves with clarity and conviction while building the poise and presence needed for lifelong success.
Help spread the word about the Renaissance Collective!
Mid-District Working Group
Co-located space challenges given Class Size Law - Discussing ideas to comply with the law
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Joan of Arc: Lafayette Academy, Manhattan School for Children, Community Action School
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PS 009/ Center School
Southern District Working Group
1972 Broadway: Early Childhood Classes coming in 2026-2027
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Early childhood classes co-located with D75 classes that are currently in the building.
PS 191 Performance Challenges
Discussing ideas to meet class size laws
Recent Mergers, Truncations, Rezonings, & Resitings:
Harlem Schools Merger, Truncation, Re-siting
During the 2025-2027 council term, CEC3 considered a merger, re-siting, truncation proposal put forward by the Office of District Planning (ODP) involving Mott Hall II, PS76, M180, and 75M226. District leadership held Harlem Working Group meetings to engage the community and collect feedback on the proposed plan. The Panel for Education Policy ultimately voted to accept the proposed plan and it was implemented starting in the 2025-2026 school year.
Expanding from a 6-8 middle school to a 6-12 combined middle/high school International Baccalaureate Program.
D3 Harlem Schools Rezoned
As part of the merger, re-siting, truncation plan involving Mott Hall II, PS76, M180, 75M226, the Office of District Planning proposed a rezoning of D3 Harlem schools - to create one shared zone for all Harlem elementary schools located at the northern end of the district. The shared zone provides Harlem families with equal access to all schools in this area and aligns with current and historical enrollment choices. CEC3 voted to approve the rezoning and it went into effect for the 2025-2026 school year.
D3 Harlem Shared Zone
West Prep Academy Moved to the Ascension Building
West Prep Academy moved from a shared space with PS145, to the Ascension building located on West 108th Street, a former Catholic School building. Updates were made to the space:
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New State of the Art Science Lab
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New Collider Room: Sensory Space
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New STEAM Room/Maker's Space
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New Dance Room
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Updated Gym/Auditorum, Cafeteria
Lafayette Academy & West Side Collaborative Merged
Lafayette Academy merged with MS250 West Side Collaborative - a small 6-8 school that was co-located with PS75. Lafayette Academy is still in the same location in the Joan of Arc building on west 93rd street. MS250 is no longer enrolling students.